How to Update the Garrett Vortex Firmware 2.07 Using a Windows Computer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Updating the Garrett Vortex using a Windows desktop is a straightforward process, provided you follow the correct steps. Garrett has made it easy for registering your device and using the Garrett Updater software, ensuring a smooth and successful update.
If this is your first time updating, there’s no need to feel intimidated. Just make sure you have or have done:
- A stable internet connection
- A Windows 7 or newer computer
- A USB-C data cable (preferably the one that came with your Vortex). It’s important to distinguish between data and charging-only cables. Data cables support power delivery and data transfer for tasks like firmware updates and syncing, while charging-only cables provide power but no data. If not using the Vortex’s original cable, ensure you use a USB-C data cable.
- Enough time to carefully go through the update process without rushing
- Have your Vortex fully charged.
Firmware updates, for any kind of device even metal detectors, can encounter issues when users rush, skip steps, or fail to follow instructions carefully. To avoid complications, I personally recommend waiting at least 10 days after a firmware release before updating. This allows time for any potential bugs or issues in the firmware or update process to be identified and addressed, ensuring a more stable installation, or the release to be pulled and a new release to be issued that is more stable.
Before initiating the update, it is essential to verify that the Garrett Updater software is up to date Version 1.0.28 or newer. Running an outdated version can lead to compatibility issues, update failures, or even the risk of bricking your device—rendering it unusable. To prevent this, always check for and install any available Garrett Updater updates before proceeding with the firmware update on your Garrett Vortex.
Since bricking is a real risk when an update is interrupted or executed improperly, take the necessary precautions. Follow each step carefully, ensure your USB-C connection remains secure, and do not disconnect the device during the update process. Taking your time and double-checking every step will help ensure a successful and safe firmware update.
Whenever possible, refer to Garrett’s official documentation for updating your device. However, if you encounter difficulties or need further clarification, feel free to use the additional documentation below for technical guidance. I understand that instructional videos can sometimes be hard to follow, and not everyone is familiar with updating a metal detector’s firmware—especially if this is your first metal detector or the first one you’ve owned that supports user-updatable firmware. By proceeding, neither I nor FocusSpeed.com can be held legally liable for any issues that may arise. This guide is intended solely as an aid.
By following the update procedure, you’ll keep your Garrett Vortex running at peak performance with the latest enhancements and stability improvements.
Garrett Vortex Firmware 2.07 Update: What’s New?
The 2.07 firmware update for the Garrett Vortex brings several enhancements aimed at improving detection performance, target accuracy, and overall user experience. Here’s what’s new in this latest update:
Now, let’s dive into updating your Garrett Vortex with the latest 2.07 Firmware.
Register Your Garrett Vortex on Garrett’s Website
Registering your Garrett Vortex on Garrett’s website is an essential step to ensure your device is covered under warranty and eligible for firmware updates. The registration process is quick and straightforward, taking only a few minutes. Follow this step-by-step guide to get your Garrett Vortex registered properly.
If you have done this step, in the past skip to Launching Garrett Updater by Clicking HERE
If you haven’t yet created a Garrett account and registered your Garrett Vortex as a new device, you have two options to complete this process:
Option 1: Register via the Garrett Updater Software
- Download and install the Garrett Updater software on your Windows desktop.
- Launch the software, and on the login screen, locate the section that says: “Don’t have an account? Sign Up Now”.
- Click “Sign Up Now”, and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account.
- Once registered, log in and proceed with adding your Garrett Vortex to your account.
Option 2: Register via Garrett’s Website
- Open your web browser and visit the Garrett Store at: https://garrett.com/store/
- Look at the top-right corner of the page, next to the search function. Click on “Login/Register.”
- If you don’t have an account, select “Register” and enter the required details.
- After successfully creating your account, log in and add your Garrett Vortex by entering its serial number and purchase details.
To complete the registration of your Garrett Vortex, follow these steps within your Garrett account:
- Navigate to the “Device List” Section:
- Once logged into your Garrett account, locate the navigation menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Click on “Device List” to access your registered devices.
- Add Your Garrett Vortex:
- On the right-hand side of the Device List page, click the “Add Device” button.
- Pick “Vortex” under Select Device Type.
- Enter your Garrett Vortex’s Serial Number as prompted. Scroll below how to located the Serial Number if having difficulty.
- Confirm the details and submit the registration.
Locating the Garrett Vortex Serial Number
The serial number for your Garrett Vortex can be found in two locations on the device:
- Front of the Control Unit – Look for the serial number printed on the front panel of the control unit.
- Back of the Arm Cuff – The serial number is also located on the rear side of the arm cuff.
Refer to the images below for exact placement.
After you successfully register, your Garrett Vortex will be linked to your account, granting you access to firmware updates, warranty support, and product-related services.
Once your Garrett Vortex appears in the Device List, follow these steps to access its details:
- Locate your Garrett Vortex in the Device List (as shown in the image below).
- Click on “View Device Details” next to your registered Vortex.
- This will open a detailed view, displaying your serial number, registration date, and available firmware updates.
To proceed with updating your Garrett Vortex, follow these steps: Click on the “New Version Available” button. Which will lead you to this following screen.
Click on “Download Installer Windows 7 or Newer Updater” as shown in the screenshot above to ensure you have the latest version of the Garrett Updater software installed on your system.
To install the Garrett Updater, open File Explorer on your Windows computer and navigate to the Downloads folder. Locate the file named GarrettInstaller.exe, then double-click it to launch the installation process. Refer to the screenshot below for further guidance.
Launch Garrett Updater
After successfully installing the Garrett Updater software, locate and launch it on your Windows computer. To do this, click on the Windows Start Menu or use the search bar at the bottom of the screen. Start typing “Garrett”, and when the application appears in the search results, select it to open. Refer to the screenshot below for visual reference.
Log in using the same credentials you used to register your account on Garrett’s website. Note: If you use a password manager such as LastPass, it may not auto-fill the password field within the Garrett Updater software. In this case, you will need to manually retrieve your password from your LastPass Vault and enter it.
After logging in, you will be directed to the main interface (as shown in the screenshot below). Connect your Garret Vortex to Your computer using the USB C Cable. Then hover your cursor over “Launch Scan”, and the text will highlight in yellow. Once highlighted, click on “Launch Scan” to proceed.
To connect your Garrett Vortex using the USB-C cable, locate the USB-C port on the back of the control box. To access it, you will need to unscrew and remove the waterproof cover. See image for reference.
For optimal results, place the Garrett Vortex on a stable, secure surface where it will remain stationary. Ensure it cannot fall, be accidentally moved or pulled, and that the USB-C cable remains securely connected throughout the process.
Once your Garrett Vortex is connected to your computer, hover your cursor over “Launch Scan” until the text highlights in yellow. Click on “Launch Scan” to initiate the scanning process. The next screen will then appear, followed by another screen once your Garrett Vortex has been detected. See below.
Click on “View Device Details” to check your firmware status. If a new firmware version is available, a notification will appear. Next, click on the yellow button labeled “Update to Latest” to begin the firmware update process.
You can confirm the update is in progress by observing the percentage indicator increasing, as shown in the screenshot below.
Once the update is complete, the confirmation screen shown below will appear. At this point, you can safely disconnect the USB-C cable and start metal detecting.
Note: I highly recommend performing a factory reset periodically, especially after a firmware update, to ensure optimal performance as you familiarize yourself with the new features. To reset your Garrett Vortex, simply hold down the power button for 5 seconds.
If you continue to experience issues updating your Garrett Vortex despite following the steps from Garrett and the documentation I did above, consider reaching out to Garrett Customer Support for further assistance. You can contact them by visiting the following link:
Joanna Jana Laznicka, a Czech-Canadian residing in Southern California, is passionate about all things associated with metal detecting. She mainly detects on the West Coast, from Southern California to Northern British Columbia. As the founder of Focus Speed, her goal is to bring quality content to metal detectorists.
